Piezo motor specialist PI (www.pi-usa.us) proudly launches its latest line of linear actuator, the M-272 linear actuator or automation applications. It is maintenance-free as it is based on PILine ultrasonic ceramic motor.

PILine ultrasonic piezo drives provide an affordable substitute to motor-leadscrew combinations and electromagnetic linear motors when small dimensions and/or high speed are important. These drives are compact, fast and are readily integrated; offering velocities of up to 200 mm/s. PIline motors do not need additional motor brake as they are self-locking when at rest.

The new M-272 closed-loop linear drive combines linear encoder, guiding system, motor, brake and actuator functionality in a compact package. Its integrated guiding system enables users to position and attach the payload easily to M-272’s drive rod.

PILine piezo motors are based on a patented and ultrasonic drive principle by PI. The system’s main piece is a piezoceramic plate, which is excited with high-frequency eigenmode oscillations. A friction tip is attached to the plate, which moves at eigenmode frequency along inclined linear path. The moving part of the mechanical system is pushed by the ceramic friction bar or runner. The mechanical system is designed to execute at few nanometers only for every oscillatory cycle, resulting in a smooth motion with nearly unlimited travel range. Preloaded against the runner, the piezo ceramic plate is the holding force when the drive is not moving. The technology is protected under German Patent No. 10154526 and US Patent No. 6,765,335.